Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than South Portland, ME?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 9.3% more expensive than South Portland, ME. This translates to spending an extra $699 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in South Portland, ME?

If you earn $150,000 in South Portland, ME, you'd need approximately $158,393.851 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between South Portland, ME and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 7.3% cheaper than in South Portland, ME. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,276/month in South Portland, ME.

How much can I save per month by moving from South Portland, ME to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $699 more per month than South Portland, ME, or $8394 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

South Portland, ME vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 South Portland, ME — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in South Portland, ME

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $699/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $158.4K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 9.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$699

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$8.4K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

South Portland, ME

Population:27K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$496K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:109

Median Home:$414K

South Portland, ME

The Pine Tree State

27K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maine, this city has a population of 27K residents.

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: South Portland, ME vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	South Portland, ME	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,156/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $521more	45.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,160/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $329more	28.4%
🏠Housing	$3,008/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $219less	7.3%
🛒Groceries	$859/mo	$963/mo	↑ $104more	12.1%
⚡All Utilities	$570/mo	$561/mo	↓ $8.57less	1.5%
🏥Healthcare	$592/mo	$589/mo	↓ $3.18less	0.5%

📦Other

↑ 45.1%

South Portland, ME

$1,156

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$521

🚗Transportation

↑ 28.4%

South Portland, ME

$1,160

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$329

🏠Housing

↓ 7.3%

South Portland, ME

$3,008

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$219

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 12.1%

South Portland, ME

$859

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$104

⚡All Utilities

↓ 1.5%

South Portland, ME

$570

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$8.57

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 0.5%

South Portland, ME

$592

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$3.18

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$878

To$1,390

↑ $512

1 Bed

From$996

To$1,510

↑ $514

2 Bed

From$1,276

To$1,750

↑ $474

3 Bed

From$1,551

To$2,330

↑ $779

South Portland, MEZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,850–$1,850/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,344

Monthly in South Portland, ME

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$724

Difference

Home Values

South Portland

Phoenix

$496K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +0.8%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +42%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$496K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 17% less expensive than South Portland

Calculate payment - South Portland Calculate payment - Phoenix

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$421

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.4%

Rate difference

South Portland, ME

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maine State Tax

Effective: 6.9%

$10.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.5%

$47.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,558/month

$102.7K

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

South Portland, ME Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.5%

Property Tax:1.3%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.